Help Bret Recover

Bret strives to do a lot of things, many of which he is awesome at doing. However, updating this page is not one of his strong suits.  So I will attempt to help.

Bret was finally able to get the nuclear stress test. This showed that he has a 46% blockage, which the doctors say is not a tremendous amount. They, apparently are used to having patients with 90% +/- so they are now amenable to getting Bret through this year and waiting for Medicare to kick in and cover his major medical.

However, in order to accomplish this, Bret now has to use a wheelchair for a majority of the time, so as not to stress his heart too much. Mostly when he is out and around, not necessarily at home.

We were generously offered the use of a great wheelchair by friends. The church where he serves has also offered use of a chair while he is there. So we are covered on that end. It is a little bit bulky to haul around so he does not go out as often as he would like. (I think he is also concerned with little ole me pushing him around, but I have assured him that the exercise will do me good.)

He is still on oxygen, which has actually needed an increase. They are not sure why, and are trying to determine if his lungs have been affected as well, so the doctors are needing to check him more often. There are regular visits with the cardiologist added to the monthly bills. These run about $200-$400 for each visit.

We do not have the initial hospital bill paid off as yet, but the generosity of friends like you is what enabled us to get the stress done and paid for. So thank you all!

It has been confirmed that he is in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) after multiple heart attacks.  He did not know that he had experienced the attacks as there was not the pain that one would normally think of during attacks.

This is VERY IMPORTANT for you all to understand. You CAN have a heart attack and not know it. You will not always feel pain. Always get your regular check ups and listen to your doctor. If you are short of breath, find out why! Fatigue, swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs, weight gain are all symptoms that you should not ignore!

Bret is taking it easy, though he gets frustrated at not being able to do what he is used to doing. We both appreciate all of the prayers, please keep them coming. If you find it on your heart to contribute, or share with friends, please do so!

God Bless You All.